Mayor's Message - Setting the standard

Taking time out to celebrate success and hard work is not something we do often, but when we do, we do it well. Last weekend’s Eurobodalla Business Awards held at Narooma Golf Club were a wonderful success. The room was filled with inspiring people and the vibe was super positive.

We took the opportunity to launch Invest Eurobodalla a beautiful website dedicated to attracting new business and investment to our shire. The site talks about the fact that many of our residents and business people have chosen to live, work and invest here, and how this translates to a shared passion and belief in Eurobodalla. Take a look for yourself.

It was wonderful to see so many of our homegrown services recognised for their excellence including Yumaro and Muddy Puddles. There’s an idea I’d like to put out there. How about two classifications within categories – profit and not for profit? It’s tough for private enterprise to compete against government-funded agencies and vice versa. Let’s see both business models have a chance to shine.

The awards also highlighted for me that businesses have a responsibility to support each other. I’ve said this before in my column and it bears repeating in this context – how powerful would it be for all of us if we shopped local?

In a week where we’ve heard allegations of bullying at our nation’s highest level, I send my support to the Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis. Ann has made the tough decision not to recontest her seat at the next Federal election, citing bullying within her own party as the reason. This is beyond disappointing, and frankly, a distraction from what we’re here to do as elected officials, and that is represent our communities effectively. Australians are telling us loud and clear they’re sick of this behaviour and they expect better. As politicians we should expect better from ourselves. We must set the standard. It starts with us.